Antioxidants In Diet Reduce Risk of Age Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible vision loss in senior adults living in developed countries. In the late stages of the disease vision is reduced to a point where the ability to read, recognize faces, drive, or move around freely is severely affected. The incidence of AMD increases with age, affecting 11.5 percent of white persons older than 80 years. Experts estimate that in the United States the number of people affected by this disease will increase to about 3 million over the next 20 years. This is an extremely debilitating disease, making those affected by it more dependent on others for help in their most basic needs, and making them more at risk for injury from falls and accidents. This increased dependence also increases strain on family and health care resources.

Medical research is ongoing to develop a treatment for AMD, but several studies have focused on the effects of nutrition and nutritional supplements on the progression of AMD. Researchers have found a diet with a high intake of beta carotene, vitamins C and E, and zinc is associated with a substantially reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration in elderly persons. Redmer van Leeuwen, M.D., Ph.D., of Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and colleagues investigated whether antioxidants, as present in normal daily foods, play a role in the primary prevention of AMD. The results of this study are being reported in the December 28 issue of JAMA. This study found a 35% reduced risk of developing AMD and early AMD progressing to the late form.

Dietary Sources for Antioxidants

Vitamin E

• Whole grains
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Nuts

Zinc

• Meat
• Poultry
• Fish
• Whole Grains
• Dairy Products

Beta Carotene

• Carrots
• Kale
• Spinach

Vitamin C

• Citrus fruits and juices
• Green peppers
• Broccoli
• Potatoes

Experts agree that dietary sources of these nutrients are the best way to supplement your diet. A well balanced diet should help keep you healthy throughout your life at a much lower cost.

Written 12/28/05